A quick hike will get you to (what feels like) the top of the world.
We all desire a quaint escape — a respite from blaring traffic , Slack notifications , overcrowded streets , and the other tenets of advanced life . While the tryout and tribulations of living in a city may make disconnecting from the chaos seem virtually unimaginable , there are a multitude of choice , from watering place andsanctuaries made for sleeping , to , unexpectedly , remote fire lookout towers .
In theMount Baker - Snoqualmie National Forest , atopHeybrook RidgesitsHeybrook Lookout , one of the 93 remaining flaming lookout towers in the Department of State of Washington ( there were formerly 600 ) . Built in 1964 , the 67 - foot oasis have you feel totally severed from order ( that is , with the exception of the other visitors at the tug ) . While there are still many fire lookout column today throughout the country , Heybrook Lookout continue one of the most popular due to its accessibility and its handiness for rent year - circular .
The trail to the lookout itself is only a slightly steep 1.3 miles , idealistic for those who may not be prepared for a straining exercise . Just make your fashion through the vibrant fern and moss until you reach what will be the only infrastructure sticking out amongst the tree .
Climb the 89 steps to Heybrook Lookout just an hour outside of Seattle.|Cavan Images/Cavan/Getty Images
Once you get to the watch , climb the 89 steps to the reflexion deck for unbeatable , panoramic views of Mount Index , Mount Persis , Skykomish River Valley , and more . Most people care to stay for a while ( you did n’t hike for nothing ) , so consider bringing a snack and lingering amidst the picturesque backdrop .
And remember , per the National Park Service’sLeave No Tracephilosophy , to yield to fellow tramp , respectfulness wildlife , and always be prepared .
Drive time:
1 hour , 20 transactions from Seattle.4 hour from Portland .
More things to do in the area:
If you ’re look to extend the 2.6 - mile round - trip hike , about five miles in the south is theLake Serenetrailhead . The alpine lake , in the Cascade Mountains , lives up to its name , with its clear drear water and arcadian landscape featuring various valleys and peaks . Sunbathe on the lake ’s Lunch Rock , and when you ’re ready , dive in . Just keep in mind , the water is moderately parky yr around .
Flowing out of Lake Serene on the same trailhead isBridal Veil Falls , which pours directly into the South Fork Skykomish River . go up amongst the rock’n’roll of the 1,328 - foot natural wonder and feel its refreshing mist , or take a walk up the conterminous wooden staircase .
Starting in September 2023 and until August 2024 , theOutdoor Adventure Centeris defy whitewater rafting trips along the Skykomish River on the weekend , if you ’re looking for a more organized but still adventurous time .
Where to stay near Heybrook Lookout:
Above the observation deck of cards ofHeybrook Lookoutis a backcountry cabin , which visitors can hold for two successive nights at a prison term from May to November . The lookout cabin is the skinny you could get to being off the control grid within an hour of Seattle – it ’s stocked with only a propane kitchen range to falsify with and a primitive bank vault pot several hundred metrical foot down the Heybrook Ridge . It accommodate up to four people , and you have to provide your own water , as well as potty paper , flashlights , first economic aid kits , and more . Because of the fire station ’s one - of - a - kind views , it typically books up to six months in betterment .
If you ’re unable to lock away down the desired spot but still want to stay in the area , there is the idyllic and recently restoredBush House Inn . The 125 - year - old historic inn is locate in Index , Washington , the nearest townspeople to the Heybrook Lookout lead . While it ’s no distant fire towboat , the inn ’s welcoming vibe and relaxing ambiance are just as lovely .
Where to eat near Heybrook Lookout:
The Bush House Inn is home toNorth Fork Kitchen , a countrified New American restaurant led by chef Fabian Arana . The woodsy eating place , democratic amongst locals and visitors , serves a miscellanea of dishes , from housemade Beetroot Hummus to Coq Au Rhum with orange blossom rice .
Before direct out , make a blockage atEspresso Chalet , a roadside coffee spot with a view closely as jaw - dropping as the fire tower . You ’ll lie with you ’ve made it when you see the gargantuan Sasquatch statue named Harry . Grab a Blue Angel Mocha ( Ghirardelli White Chocolate and Monin Blueberry ) and a distich of their famous Bigfoot cookies .
